It's all in the execution, and Arrow's execution of Laurel's character and her relationships has been pretty crappy so far, but very much in line with the standards of CW soaps.

Arrow was a series that could have easily benefited from being more case procedural like SVU or Criminal Minds. There's elements of that in the show, but it's dragged down by the constant soap drama interruptions.

Flashpoint is a great example of a series that can keep the story focused on the case and the action.

The problem with Arrow is it's trying to be Nolan's Batman, but also a CW Soap. Both things are complete and contradictory opposites.